Islip Messenger Archive Nov. 23, 2023

WISHING YOU A HAPPY November 23

Thursday, November 23, 2023 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 5 ~ $1.00

Long Island Leaders React to Hochul’s Signing of the ‘Clean Slate’ Act

By Matt Meduri

Jennifer Harrison, Founder and Executive Director of Victims’ Rights NY, gives her testimony.

Many of the arguments regarding quality of life in New York cover two important topics: affordability and public safety. The former issue is one that has plagued New Yorkers for decades, while the latter has seen some relatively new developments that have been the subject of much debate and controversy.

Albany Democrats have been consistent in their criminal justice reforms since forming a trifecta in 2018. In 2019, the controversial “Cashless Bail” reform laws were signed, lessening bail requirements and removing many forms of judicial authority in retaining criminals based on public safety concerns. Afterwards came the “Raise the Age” laws, which prevents teens under eighteen years of age from being charged as adults. Finally, the “Less is More Act” was introduced to expedite and overhaul parole time accrual.

Now, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has signed the latest measure in New York criminal justice reform: the “Clean Slate” Act. Continued on page 3

Laced Pages: Fentanyl Smuggled Into County Jail on Legal Docs

By Matt Meduri The ongoing fentanyl crisis is one of the most serious drug epidemics in recent history and is one that continues to grip Long Island and the United States overall. The valuable and highly-toxic synthetic narcotic has become ubiquitous in certain communities and an ancillary substance to the existing drugs of choice. On top of its highly addictive nature, the drug is often selected by dealers for its high price tag and easier methods of smuggling. Fentanyl is also a prescribed painkiller that is one hundred times more potent than morphine and has contributed to over 100,000 overdose deaths per year.

For Suffolk County, the conversation has grown increasingly more concerned with fentanyl flooding suburban communities and has even landed unsuspecting first responders squarely in the possibility of an accidental overdose on emergency response calls.

But most people working relatively innocuous jobs, such as lawyers or police clerks, would not expect to be in the crossfire of such a dangerous battle. The Suffolk County Correctional Facility became a new battlefield this past August, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) and Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) revealed last Thursday at the county complex in Riverhead.

Continued on page 5

FULL STORIES ON:

‘Deadly Driving Is No Accident’ Page 8

Bohemia Vets Honored Page 10

Messenger Spotlight: Long Island Fights Page 24

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Continued from front cover

Long Island Leaders React to Hochul’s Signing of the ‘Clean Slate’ Act

The act institutes an automatic sealing of criminal records for many offenses within certain time periods depending on the crime. Eligible misdemeanor convictions will be sealed three years after release, while eligible felonies will be sealed eight years after release. Both are contingent on the condition that criminals do not commit additional crimes during the intervening period.

Eligible crimes include: manslaughter, vehicular homicide (DWI-related crash causing death), vehicular assault (DWIrelated crash causing serious physical injury), gun felonies, most kidnappings (excluding First Degree kidnapping and offenses in which the victim is less than seventeen and the offender is not a parent), gang assaults, assaults on police officers, attempted murder in the Second Degree, some terrorism offenses, residential burglaries, armed robbery, domestic violence felonies, threatening or intimidating witnesses, hate crimes (excluding Class-A felonies), felony DWI for repeat offenses, animal abuse, and arson (excluding First Degree).

Long Island leaders gathered at the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Headquarters in Brentwood Friday morning to further voice their opposition to the new laws. The press conference was headlined by Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue).

“If you do the math, this bill was signed nine days after an election. In that election, voters were very, very clear in their message: they want public safety,” said Murray. “They don’t like the pro-criminal policies coming out of Albany. They overwhelmingly elected a county executive [Ed Romaine] who was endorsed by all law enforcement and campaigned on public safety. And just nine days after that message was sent, their message back: ‘So what? We have an agenda and we’re going to stick to it.’”

County Executive-Elect Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) then took the podium to highlight that such a system for sealing records already exists, one with judicial authority instead of automatic sealing.

“Is there a place for Clean Slate in the criminal justice system? Sure, there are examples where that should be allowed, but should that be automatic? Should it be carte blanche, or should it be subject to judicial discretion?” said Romaine. “I think it should be up to the judges. I think this bill is not right, and I think it does weaken the criminal justice system in that we are not holding people accountable. I don’t think this legislation will serve us well in the long-run.”

Senator Murray reinforced Executive-Elect Romaine’s words while also highlighting the fallacies surrounding the bill’s integrity: “You can currently, without Clean Slate, apply through the judicial system to have your records sealed,” said Murray. “It happens now, but on a case-by-case basis, and that’s exactly how it should be done. But carte blanche clean slate for everyone is just plain dangerous. One of the fallacies being sold in pitching this is ‘This is the only way, if you don’t support this, you don’t’ believe in second chances.’ That’s just not true.”

Murray then listed some of the aforementioned crimes that are eligible for automatic sealing under the law.

“The other fallacy is that violent crimes don’t get sealed.

Many of these crimes sound pretty violent to me and those will all be sealable,” said Murray.”

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Malverne) came out from Nassau County to stand in opposition to the bill.

false complaints against police officers, where gang members and thugs make things up in order to stop police from doing their jobs, Albany said: ‘Those false complaints, we can’t seal those.

Those false complaints are going to be held against you forever.’ But what does Albany say to the criminal, the person who maims a child or mugs your family member on the subway? ‘We can make it like it never happened.’ We should forgive when you paid your debt to society, but we forget [offenses] at our own peril.”

Jennifer Harrison, Founder and Executive Director of Victims’ Rights New York shared her heartbreaking story of how her boyfriend Kevin was brutally murdered by three people in January 2005 and the circumstances leading to their lean punishments that allow them County Executive-Elect Ed Romaine delivers remarks. to remain free today.

“My life was completely destroyed.

Today would have been Kevin’s forty“Manslaughter is now a sealable offense. That includes someone who could have been convicted of murder, whose seventh birthday, and instead of being home making fun of each charge was plea bargained down to manslaughter,” said other for getting old, I am here because somebody has to explain Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “Hate crimes are also sealable, which to our governor and the merry band of idiots in Albany that is a problem given what we have going on right now with sealing the records of violent criminals is wrong,” said Harrison. antisemitism. Where do the victims get a clean slate? Where do “Kevin had three killers; two of them got away with it. One of the families of someone who is murdered get a clean slate? That them pleaded guilty to manslaughter. First, I had to accept that never goes away. Why are the criminals being prioritized? I hope my loved one is gone forever. Then I had to process that another that we can amend this in some way, but the damage is going to human being intentionally horrifically took his life. Then I had to be done just like we’ve seen with bail reform. We will have to wait accept the outcome of the case, manslaughter - not murder - only for one offender, and a very lenient [punishment]. The people for the tragedies to happen as a result of this.”

Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) helped echo some who did this to my family and the love of my life are now free with their families posting pictures on social media and spending bipartisan opposition to the bill.

“Like all of my colleagues, we believe in second chances, and holidays together. Not only is this another kick in the gut, but it is we understand that there is a system in place that works and is a huge risk to public safety.”

The Messenger caught up with Lou Civello after the press set up to strike the right balance,” said Stern. “But here, this is just another example of a potential positive that goes way too conference for his thoughts on the best solutions in combatting far. It does not take into account real-world impact and we see a the effects of this bill.

“I think some of these politicians only understand one thing one-size-fits-all method that can ultimately turn dangerous for so many. With these kinds of very troubling crimes, we believe that and that’s whether or not they’re going to have a job after Election all - employees, employers, victims, and families, have a right to Day,” said Civello. “People need to vote and pay attention. We had elected officials from both parties here today. They put victims know.”

Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) highlighted and Long Island first; they share our values. There are some who a separate class of criminals: those in organized and white-collar are not here and we need to hold them accountable on Election Day, otherwise this is never going to change. Their foot is hot crime.

“Right now, we’re in an epidemic of overdoses,” said Flood. on the gas and Bail Reform was an epic failure by any objective “This bill will allow drug dealers with the title of “kingpin” moving measure. They could have started [Clean Slate] with very lowmillions of dollars in weight to have their records sealed. We also level crimes, such as shoplifting. Instead, they seal everything have people who have been in Ponzi schemes, who have stolen and say ‘we’ll see how this works out, maybe some people get killed, and if they do, then we’ll repeal.’ It’s not a proper way to millions of dollars from our elderly citizens.”

Senator Murray then touched on a sobering subject: safety govern.”

Regarding the Suffolk Police Department’s response to the of children.

“Schools and daycares will still have access to records,” signing of the reforms, Civello says they will have to be “diligent said Murray. “But what about toy stores, Chuck E. Cheese, Splish to ensure nothing slips through the cracks on offenses that aren’t Splash, or even a babysitter in your own home? You won’t have supposed to be sealed.”

“We have to make sure that we [law enforcement] have access to those records; you won’t know.”

Lou Civello, President of the Suffolk PBA, commented on access that we’re supposed to,” said Civello. “When it comes to how the act further curtails the ability of police officers to do government, things get lost in the shuffle, and I’d hate to see a their jobs. He called Albany “hypocritical,” referencing their 2020 tragedy as a result of it.”

The bill was passed in the Assembly 85-65 with three repeal of 50-a, a law that required the concealment of disciplinary absences. Of the Suffolk delegation, Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), records of police officers and other first responders.

“This reckless law is yet another blow to cooperating with Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood), and Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Wheatley police officers. They couldn’t defund us, so now they’re trying to Heights) are the only members of the Assembly who voted to demoralize us to the point that we cannot police effectively,” said approve it.

In the Senate, the bill passed 37-25 with one absence. None Civello. “Just a short time ago, this same group of elected officials who passed this law repealed 50-a. In cases where people make of the Suffolk delegation voted to approve it.

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Continued from front cover

Laced Pages: Fentanyl Smuggled Into County Jail on Legal Docs

Drug smugglers and “Two milligrams of dealers have been getting fentanyl are enough to kill more creative in their you; that’s what a grain of methods of shipping and rice weighs. If an officer or disguising products, but some unwitting third-party Thursday’s press conference were to come in contact displayed a truly innovative with this paper, even a and brazen method of very small amount could sneaking fentanyl into the result in severe injury or Suffolk County Correctional death. In this case, fentanyl Facility. The report showed poisoning was posed to that inmates conspired inmates, correction officers, with outside connections to deputy sheriffs, our court smuggle fentanyl into the officers, our litigants, our facility by spraying a liquid judges, and anyone who laced with the drug onto works in the courthouse legal papers that were to be or maintains custody of handled by an unsuspecting inmates within the court District Attorney Tierney addresses the toxicity of fentanyl on the legal papers that were to be handled. attorney. building.”

The report states that Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) Jyzir Hamilton, an inmate discussed the collaboration at the Suffolk County jail on a between several offices and bureaus number of pending charges, to curb the ongoing problem, as well including Criminal Possession of as what could possibly be done to a Weapon in the Second Degree, discourage the smuggling of drugs had planned for his girlfriend, into the county jail.

Janiah Williams, to deliver fentanyl“I am extremely proud that the laced papers to him through his District Attorney is vigorously going defense attorney, who was not forward to prosecute this case. The aware of the plan. Hamilton then men and women of the Suffolk County placed calls to Alyssa Brienza, Sheriff office, more importantly, our whom he asked about obtaining Corrections Intelligence Center and the fentanyl. Brienza then spoke our Criminal Intelligence Bureau, to Arnold Foster, an inmate at the are the first hands on the ground Green Haven Correctional Facility working to make sure that our jails in Stormville. At the time, Foster are protected,” said Toulon. “Make was serving a prison sentence for no mistake: fentanyl is twenty times a conviction of Criminal Sale of a more valuable inside a jail or prison Controlled Substance in the Third than it is on the street. The problem Degree. of people smuggling it in using Foster set the price of the an attorney, who is unknowingly fentanyl to be sold to Hamilton, who bringing the package in thinking they then allegedly spoke to Williams are legal documents to a client, is about delivery. something we are working on.”

On August 19, Brienza allegedly Toulon also said that mail in delivered four blank pages to general appears to be routinely Williams that were sprayed with compromised, as the outside fentanyl-laced liquid. Legal writing communities send in documents and sold to the inmates. When the inmates put them was then superimposed on the from illegitimate or “makeshift” law paper to make it appear legitimate. Hamilton then in their mouth and once their saliva wets the paper, firms for the purpose of smuggling drugs into the jail. allegedly instructed Williams to contact an attorney it activates the fentanyl in their systems. We learned “We are receiving mail inside our jail that is not representing Eric Freeman, another inmate at the that a torn piece of paper as little as a credit card that from any reputable law firms. These are makeshift Suffolk County Jail on trial for Rape in the First Degree, is infused with fentanyl can go for about $500 in the law firms that individuals in our community are who had then told his attorney that someone would jail.” utilizing to smuggle drugs inside our jails. As District While this form of smuggling is creative, Tierney Attorney Tierney said, they are going to find new and be delivering legal documents to him. When Williams arrived at the courthouse with a manila envelope, she said it’s unfortunately not completely original. innovative ways to smuggle drugs inside our jails.

“This case is not the first of its kind and its Apart from what’s going on in our communities and was arrested before the papers could enter the facility.

On October 3, Brienza was arrested and law ramifications are frightening,” he said. “This January, the deaths that we’re seeing, we have to have some enforcement allegedly found one-eighth ounce after investigating two separate non-fatal overdoses legislation that will harshly penalize individuals who of cocaine, $1,130, and a scale inside her vehicle. in the Suffolk County Jail, officers discovered a piece are selling fentanyl within our communities.”

Additionally, Brienza’s four-year-old child was also in of paper in the cell of inmate Ronald Adam. That All four accomplices of the smuggling attempted paper had also been infused with fentanyl. That have been indicted on their respective charges. the vehicle.

“This case demonstrates both the dangers case, this case, and many others like it highlight the Hamilton, 35, of Hauppauge, was indicted on six of fentanyl and the extreme financial rewards of extreme dangers the members of our Sheriff’s office counts, four felonies and a misdemeanor. Brienza, the distribution of fentanyl,” said District Attorney face every day. Not only are those officers tasked 30, of Calverton, was indicted on eight counts, six Tierney. “These papers cost $1,400 for each page with the inmates of Suffolk County safe and secure, felonies, and two misdemeanors. Williams, 24, of and they can be sold for as much as $6,000 per but they must also protect themselves from poisons Central Islip, was indicted on five felonies. Freeman, page in the jail. More disturbing, however, is how like fentanyl that they unknowingly come in contact 48, of Huntington Station, was indicted on one these papers can be distributed within the jail. Our with every day.” felony. Foster, 33, of Centereach, was indicted on Tierney also discussed just how toxic the drug is: one felony. intelligence informs us that these papers are torn up

6

Editorial Thursday, November 23, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

‘Clean Slate’ Is the Final Squeeze of Lemon Juice Over the Paper Cut While New Yorkers have been Age” (teens younger than 18 cannot playing the game of life, it seems be criminally charged as adults), that since Democrats formed a “Less is More” (expedites parole trifecta in Albany in 2018, they have time accrual), and now “Clean Slate,” been playing their own game called all objectively regressive ideas that “Let’s See How Destructive Our punish law-abiding citizens, many of Criminal Justice Policies Can Be.” whom are the protected classes the We’d say that they’re certainly left swears to defend every day. winning, although it hardly feels If the left held these values true, like anyone is winning, and if you they would lobby to at least remove consult with literally any person such provisions from “Clean Slate.” residing within the State of New But it’s not about results, it’s about York, they’d probably tell you in no leveraging talking points for the next uncertain terms just how thrilled election. If the left removes evidence The Clean Slate Act (S7551A/A1029C) they are to be winning so much. of such horrible crimes, then those has been signed into law by In fact, New Yorkers are so tired crimes are essentially the gifts that of endless legislative victories that keep on giving to their pathologically Governor Kathy Hochul. they’re packing their bags and taking altruistic, progressively myopic indefinite vacations in Florida, plans to fundamentally change this North Carolina, and Tennessee to state and country. celebrate.

It’s not that New Yorkers - or people government the United States, markedly, is not.

What has the public not made in general - aren’t compassionate.

Kathy Hochul’s latest installment in further We understand that peoples’ mistakes don’t define abundantly clear about Governor Hochul and company’s overhauls of the Empire State? Nobody corroding public safety is nothing but the final them and that second chances are truly great really clamored for the initial bail reforms in 2019 squeeze of lemon juice over the intensely painful displays of mercy. But the paper cut needs more except progressive activists and pathologically paper cut New York has been trying to heal since grains of salt than drops of lemon juice, and judges altruistic urban hive-minders, who have since 2019. But Albany seems intent on keeping that should be returned their power to rule on a casebeen nowhere near as vocally supportive of the paper cut the type that just when it’s about fully by-case basis to see which pillars of society should measures since they were initiated. We’ve seen healed, a quick stroke of the pen or executive be defined by their mistakes for the protection of how much of a mess those laws have been and order opens it right back up again. the community.

The newly-minted “Clean Slate Act” automatically we see it more and more with each wave of new And just to go back into the history books, crimes, drugs, and practices all ushered in by a seals the records of almost all crimes after certain the United States did see a decent model for new society of delinquency, irresponsibility, and periods of time depending on the nature of the true criminal justice reform: the First Step Act. A victimhood, each one more destructive than crime. Examples include, but are unfortunately 2018 bipartisan bill pushed and later signed by not limited to: manslaughter, vehicular homicide, President Donald Trump, it addressed reducing the last.

The original mantra of the bail reform laws vehicular assault, gun felonies, most kidnappings, recidivism, decreasing the federal inmate was to “balance the scales” of justice by allowing assaults - including gang assaults and assaults on population, and reforming federal prisons, all criminals convicted of small or minor crimes to police officers - attempted murder in the second while maintaining public safety. The bill was be released without having to post cash bail, degree, animal abuse, arson, hate crimes, and approved by almost all Democratic lawmakers in a practice considered discriminatory against even some terrorism offenses. the House and Senate, yet most people forget this That’s right: if you committed one of these landmark product of the Trump Administration certain groups of people who might not be as cash-flush as others, further perpetuating crimes, after a set period of time, your record is because they were too busy getting instructions the mass incarceration state and culture of sealed and not available in a typical background from the mainstream media on how to voice institutionalization. A valiant effort, and there are check. The timing could not be more prudent, as their hatred for him. certainly some “pay to play” aspects of society, this week, District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) and Here’s The Messenger’s own final squeeze of but the activists lobbying for bail reform were Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) highlighted a creative case lemon juice over the paper cut: the bill was seen naive at best, while the lawmakers who laid ink of inmates smuggling fentanyl into the Suffolk as a repair to the disastrous 1994 Senate Crime to the parchment were all too intentionally coy County Correctional Facility on pieces of legal bill, penned by none other than Joe Biden. The bill documents. Cashless bail kneecaps prosecutors’ is often pointed to as a reason for the disastrous about the ramifications of the law changes.

What we’ve seen in just four short years is a abilities to retain certain types of offenders who state of institutionalization and recidivism we see complete undermining of the criminal justice handle, traffic, or distribute fentanyl, and now in the United States today. system, which has been especially destructive “Clean Slate” will seal - not expunge - records of Some leaders have given us a step forward, but in given that we live in a time where the old such crimes after certain periods of time.

Hochul’s New York, “Clean Slate’’ is a monumental Herein also lies the hypocrisy of most Democrats, step backwards. We could certainly see the logic counterculture of “rebelling against the system” is not only the norm, but it’s an ideology actively namely progressives, who make every day about in trying to remove barriers for people whose being taught to the next generation. A healthy hate crimes and gun violence: if such acts truly are mistakes shouldn’t define them. New York is the distrust of government is something we here at reprehensible - and they are - why are they working twelfth state to introduce some type of “Clean The Messenger have advocated for in the past, to lessen the long-term impact of committing such Slate” bill, and some think tanks have highlighted but some forms of government are absolutely crimes? the legislation’s success in other states. But the The left takes advantage of any type of act of three prior steps backwards New York has taken required, as too much distrust leads to anarchy.

And that’s essentially where some parts of gun violence to institute, or at least try to institute, should be rectified before a stronger “Clean Slate” the country, including New York City, are at this sweeping gun bans and reforms. The left also gets bill can be considered, especially one in which point: anarchy. Not to mention that the bizarre ridiculous mileage out of anything related to race, records are not automatically sealed. Further cognitive dissonance we’ve seen with some on class, sex, or any other physical characteristic. While removing individual judicial discretion from the progressive front is nothing short of mind- people should not be discriminated against based the New York criminal justice system is entirely boggling. In one breath, the system needs to on any of those criteria, the left seems to perform unconscionable. be destroyed and rebuilt, but in another, if we the most outlandish forms of mental gymnastics to The paper cut has, yet again, been reopened by maintain that healthy distrust of government, tug on the heartstrings of moderates to back their Albany Democrats, but this year’s criminal justice then we’re a “threat to democracy” - a form of insane reforms, such as “Cashless Bail,” “Raise the package, by far, stings the worst.

Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

7

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Clean Slate Law Will Make the State a More Dangerous Place to Live for Law Abiding New Yorkers

By Senator Anthony Palumbo Clean Slate is the latest pro-crime policy to be championed in Albany by out-of-touch politicians who care more about catering to the extremes of their Party than protecting the men and women they serve. Like previous ill-conceived policies such as Bail Reform and Raise the Age, Clean Slate will have an immediate and negative impact on public safety. New York will become a more dangerous place for families and seniors to live, businesses to operate, and will exacerbate the already tremendous strains being placed on law enforcement. Under one-party rule, New York continues down a dangerous path, one that continues to put the rights of criminals above those of victims, law enforcement and the public good.

This misguided law will automatically seal the criminal records of individuals convicted of certain crimes, including felonies, after a specified period of time. This new law will supersede proven existing mechanisms, such as certificates of good conduct, certificates of relief from civil disability, and expungement of records, which already provide avenues

for ex-offenders to seek rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The most troubling aspect of Clean Slate is the prisoner doesn’t even have to engage in any efforts toward rehabilitation – they automatically get rewarded under this law.

Some of the more serious crimes that would be sealable offenses under the new Clean Slate Law Include: Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide (DWI-related crash causing death), Vehicular Assault (DWI-related crash causing serious physical injury), gun felonies, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Making a Terroristic Threat, residential burglaries, Armed Robbery, Domestic Violence Felonies, Threatening or Intimidating Witnesses, Felony DWI for repeat offenses, Animal Abuse, Arson, hate crimes, where the underlying offense is less than a class A felony and assaults, including: Gang Assaults and Assaults on Police Officers.

Clean Slate is Another Win for Career Criminals

By Assemblyman Joe DeStefano New York has been reeling from spikes in crime thanks to bail reform and Raise the Age. Now that Clean Slate is signed into law, being a criminal is easier than being a hardworking, law-abiding citizen in our state. This is not rehabilitation, this is minimizing the consequences of criminals, and even worse, it’s putting our families and children at greater risk every time they step outside the door.

Would you want an individual who has been convicted of kidnapping or attempted murder to work at your children’s school? With Clean Slate,

that’s a possibility. I strongly denounce the governor’s decision to sign Clean Slate into law.”

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) represents the Third District in the New York State Assembly. The Third District includes Bellport, Brookhaven hamlet, Coram, East Patchogue, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Mastic Beach, Medford, Middle Island, Ridge, Shirley, and Yaphank.

The Third District office is located at 3245 Route 112, Building 2, Suite 6, Medford, and can be reached at 631-207-0073.

Statement from Minority Leader Barclay

By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay “For a Governor who claims that her number one priority is protecting the people of New York, she sure has a funny way of showing it. We all believe in second chances, but unilaterally sealing criminal records is hardly the way to go about it. The bill prioritizes those who have broken the law while once again disregarding the victims impacted by their actions.

New York State already had processes in place for judges to seal criminal convictions. But without input from judges, victims or prosecutors, Albany Democrats took it upon themselves to hide vicious and violent crimes

from background checks. Convictions for manslaughter, attempted murder, gang assault, attempted kidnapping, burglary, robbery – and many others – will essentially be swept away with the stroke of the governor’s pen.

The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers identify crime as a problem. And for those New Yorkers, the Clean Slate Act represents the latest step in the wrong directions. This is yet another pro-criminal, misguided policy from the people intent on dismantling law and order and removing individual accountability.”

Letter to the Editor Support Your Local Small Businesses for National Small Business Saturday You can support small retailers and restaurants by joining me and your neighbors on the thirteenth annual national Small Business Saturday, this coming November 25.

Small Business Saturday began on November 27, 2010. It was in response to both Black Friday (large stores) and Cyber Monday (e-commerce stores).

Small Business Saturday is designed for those starting holiday shopping to patronize small along with local community-based business.

Many small independent businesses are at the mercy of suppliers, who control the price they have to pay for merchandise. The employees go out of their way to help find what I need. Customer service is their motto. As an independent mom and pop store, they don’t have the bulk buying purchasing power that Amazon or large national chain stores have. This is why they sometimes charge a little more. It is worth the price to avoid the crowds and long lines at larger stores in exchange for the convenience and friendly service your neighborhood community store offers.

Don’t forget to write, we’d love to hear from you!

Email us at: editor@messengerpapers.com Our local entrepreneurs have continued the good fight to keep their existing staff and suppliers employed without layoffs and canceling supply orders. They work long hours, pay taxes, keep people employed and help fight crime by serving as the eyes and ears of neighborhoods. Foot traffic is essential for the survival of neighborhood commercial districts. The owners of independent mom and pop stores are the backbone of our neighborhood commercial districts. Show your support by making a purchase.

Larry Penner Great Neck Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

This included the development, review, approval, and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for NJ Transit, MTA, NYC Transit bus, subway and Staten Island Railway, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus, NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry, along with 30 other transit agencies in NY & NJ.

8

State News Thursday, November 23, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

‘Deadly Driving is No Accident:’ Local Leaders Call for Changes to Impaired Driving Laws

By Matt Meduri

One of the most devastating come home and meet up with each tragedies a family can endure is other. It’s known as the biggest bar the loss of a loved one to a selfish, night of the year, so let’s start to talk preventable act. Every day, lives about prevention now. Let’s talk to are changed forever when a loved our kids and families about staying one is killed at the hands of a drunk safe this holiday season.” or impaired driver.

“This is probably the worst part As the holidays get closer, of my job: meeting and talking to the yearly reminder that these families whose loved ones have occurrences only increase during been ripped from their lives because this time of year is blasted en of the selfish, dangerous drunk and masse. drugged drivers,” said Nassau County However, local leaders from District Attorney Donnelly. Donnelly Suffolk and Nassau counties are recounted several harrowing cases starting the holiday season with that she has overseen in Nassau a more hopeful mission: to close County due to drunk and drugged the loopholes in New York’s laws drivers. “I am making a direct regarding probable cause for request: the loophole in the drunk Andrea and Tim Carpenter give their testimony with a picture of their son, Timothy arrest when dealing with unknown driving law needs to be closed. We substances. need to make sure we have the tools evidential blood draws under certain circumstances.

They are lobbying for Senate Bill 3135 and Currently, the law only allows courts to order blood to prosecute these cases. This legislation will save Assembly Bill 174, which would improve existing draws in cases of “serious physical injury or death” lives. If you get behind the wheel of a car and if you laws in several ways once a judge establishes probable cause. The bill are impaired, you will be arrested and I promise First, drugged driving will not apply to all would also permit courts to order blood draws if a you, my office and my staff will prosecute you.” impairing substances, not just those on a list. As person refuses forms of testing and for drivers with Alisa and John McMorris, the parents of Andrew, it stands, an obviously impaired driver cannot be prior impaired driving charges. gave their testimony about losing their twelve-yeararrested unless law enforcement can determine Finally, the bill would suspend the licenses of old son in 2018 to a drunk driver. Andrew was with and name the drug impairing the driver at the drugged drivers in the same manner as a Driving his troop of Boy Scouts on a calm autumn day, scene and that that drug is on the New York Public While Intoxicated (DWI) charge is levied for when a drunk driver plowed through the troop of Health Law (PHL) 3306 list. However, the test to drunk drivers. Currently, a drugged driver can be boys, seriously injuring many, and killing Andrew. identify the drug cannot be administered until arraigned and leave court with a valid license until “Impaired deadly driving is no accident, it’s after the arrest. New York is now just one of four 100% preventable,” said Alisa. “Nationally, the states that still uses a list that does not include new numbers of impairment-related deaths are the substances and synthetic drugs. highest they have been since 2006. A drunk-driving Secondly, the definitions of “impaired” and death happens every thirty-nine minutes. It’s “intoxicated” are added to remove confusion. equivalent to a 737 airliner crashing every week Unlike alcohol, there is no numerically quantified without survivors, and we do nothing. This holiday impairment level when it comes to determining the season, my family and many others will have an level of drug intoxication. The danger herein lies empty chair at the table that will remain empty in the fact that serious impairment might not be forever.” observable or look like “intoxication.”

Andrea and Timothy Carpenter were also Additionally, oral fluid field testing (OFFT) would present and gave their testimony. Their only child, be added as a roadside screening tool to support Timothy, 22, was killed at the hands of a driver high probable cause and exoneration. The OFFT screens on fentanyl this past March in Centereach. Andrea for recent use of drugs and is currently used in recounted Timothy’s final outing with his uncle twenty-four states and twenty countries. OFFT Stacey to go to the store for an auto part. Stacey results alone do not prove impairment or sobriety.

Carpenter was seriously injured and miraculously The car Stacey and Timothy Carpenter were driving Rather, the results can offer real-time evidence of survived; he was also present at the press when they were struck drug use, which can help law enforcement in their conference. onsite investigations. The legislation would also “I can’t fully describe the agony it is to lose a restore traffic tickets for refusing roadside sobriety the case is concluded, while drivers who are found child, let alone an only child,” said Carpenter. “Part and screening tests, a provision that was removed to have been above the legal limit with alcohol see of our heart and soul are missing. It’s the physical by the courts without legislative authorization. In their licenses suspended. The bill would suspend pain as well as the emotional pain. We wake up addition to supporting probable cause, OFFT can drugged drivers’ licenses when a test result is with this pain, stumble through the day and then also be used to support exoneration if a driver is obtained. go to bed with this pain.” not impaired.

Timothy’s killer was Christopher Guzman, Local leaders, including Suffolk County District The legislation would also equate Drug Attorney Ray Tierny (R), Suffolk County Sheriff Errol of Farmingville, who was arrested but released Recognition Evaluation (DRE) exams to evidential Toulon (D), Nassau County District Attorney Anne without bail after the crash. He died of an overdose breath and blood tests regarding refusals for Donnelly (R), community organizers, and even the only months thereafter. roadside testing. The DRE is one of the best tools to families of victims to drugged driving gathered at The local elected and community leaders plan to determine impairment and exonerate drivers with the New York State Police Department at Republic descend on Albany January 9, 2024, to lobby for the medical conditions. As it stands, the law encourages Airport in Farmingdale Monday morning. bill’s passage. testing by imposing license sanctions for refusing to The Messenger wishes for safety on all travelers “We’re imploring everyone to think before they take an evidential test. The legislation would apply get behind the wheel,” said Suffolk County District this holiday season and we implore that you plan the same license revocation standards for refusing Attorney Tierney. “And if you don’t, we will be here ahead if you plan on drinking. It might just keep a DRE exam. enforcing the law. This Wednesday is Thanksgiving an extra seat at the table filled for the next holiday The bill would expand court orders for Eve, and we all know it’s the night that college kids season.

This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

9

Thursday, November 23, 2023

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

gridlock, a toxic work environment, and uncertainty of the parties’ nominees electoral prospects going into next year.

State

Report cards are in for Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D). A Tuesday Marist Poll found that New Yorkers have soured on both leaders.

The poll found that among New York City voters, 37% of voters approved of Mayor Adams’ job performance, with 54% disapproving. In March 2022, Adams boasted a 61%-24% approval rating.

Part of the steep downturn in his numbers, apart from the migrant crisis, is the recent federal probe into his interactions with the Turkish government, alleging foreign intervention in the 2021 Mayoral race.

Governor Hochul is also struggling to win voters’ favor. The Marist poll found her approval rating underwater, with 44% disapproving, and 43% approving. 39% of respondents said that Hochul is “changing the way things are in Albany for the better,” while 56% said she is not. Comparably, she scored a 46%-39% rating in October 2021, just two months into her tenure.

Additionally, 59% of respondents said the “overall quality of life” in New York has “gotten worse” over the past year, with 11% saying it has “gotten better.”

The results of the Marist Poll are not isolated incidents. A Siena poll released Monday found that Governor Hochul is viewed unfavorably by 43% of voters and favorably by 40%. Mayor Adams clocked in with 30% positive ratings and 46% negative ratings as he is expected to run for a second term in 2025.

Credit - United States House of Representatives

Local Regarding the legal woes of Congressman George Santos (R-Queens) (pictured left above), Congressman Nick LaLota (R) (pictured left below) of the First District has issued a statement after the House Ethics Committee issued a report concerning the alleged fraud Santos has committed: “The bipartisan Ethics Committee report confirms what most New Yorkers understood months ago: George Santos is a lying fraudster who stole an election to get to Congress. My fellow New Yorkers deserve a real representative. Now, his election should be invalidated by the House using its Constitutional expulsion powers. Then, at an earlyspring special election, my New York neighbors to the west will finally get an opportunity to participate in a valid election.”

Credit - United States House of Representatives

Now that the local 2023 elections have come and gone, all eyes turn to the big-ticket 2024 elections, including the hotly-contested presidential contest.

A huge question mark still hangs over the presidential contest, where the first presidential rematch since 1956 seems more likely as we barrel towards the primaries. Donald Trump (R-FL) and Joe Biden (D-DE) seem likely to recapture their respective party nominations based on polling, but national enthusiasm, voter burnout, legal troubles for both candidates, and the possibility of a contested convention for both parties continues to cast doubt on the trajectory of the race.

Current polling shows Trump beating Biden in almost all swing states, and even some thinnerthan-usual margins for Biden in blue strongholds like New York. A recent Siena College poll of 803 registered voters in New York found Biden leading Trump by only 10 points in a two-way race, and by only nine points in a four-way race, with Independent Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) taking 18% of the vote and Kanye West taking 5%.

The third-party bid of RFK has the potential to amount to the large spoiling status of Ross Perot’s 1992 campaign, which many believe aided the election of Bill Clinton (D-AR) over an unpopular George H.W. Bush (R-TX). There is a correlation of an RFK presence on the ticket and a more likely Trump victory based on recent polls.

But polling one year out from an election should be taken with hefty grains of salt, especially since two weeks - let alone one year - is an eternity in an election season.

More telling of the political environment, however, is the near record-breaking list of Congressional retirements seen within the month of November.

Currently, twenty-nine members of the U.S. House are not seeking re-election in 2024, nineteen Democrats and ten Republicans. A combined fifteen members between both parties are retiring outright, while the other fourteen are seeking an alternative office.

In the Senate, seven members, five Democrats and two Republicans, are not seeking re-election, with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) being the only member to seek alternative office.

The current thirty-six members not seeking re-election is the second-highest number of retirements in a single month, and there is still a week left in November, leaving many to believe more retirements are imminent. The hottest time of year for retirements is during the holiday breaks, when members of Congress spend time with their families away from Capitol Hill and consider their options.

But what makes the large retirement numbers so large is that both chambers of Congress rest on thinly-defined lines. Democrats only control the Senate with a one-seat majority, and that doesn’t take into account known moderates like Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).

Sinema was elected as a Democrat and became an Independent last year, although she still caucuses with Senate Democrats.

Speaking of Manchin, he has recently opted

not to run for re-election in West Virginia, ending the likely defeat he would have faced in one of the reddest states in the nation with down ballot presidential energy. Manchin (pictured right), is the last elected Democrat from the Mountain State, owing to his moderate streak and long history of politics when the Democratic Party used to be more in line with the state’s working-class ideals.

Manchin was re-elected in 2012 and carried every county. In 2018, a blue wave year, he severely underperformed but was narrowly re-elected over a poor Republican candidate.

Manchin would have required at least fortypoints of crossover support in order to survive 2024, a feat which would have been a historical first in modern politics. His retirement not only allows Democrats to spend money elsewhere to defend their majority in a map lopsided against them, but it also allows Manchin to retire on his own terms, rather than face a near-guaranteed defeat.

Meanwhile, the House is divided on a 222213 majority for the Republicans, the tipping-point seats of which were easily defined by New York’s isolated red wave in 2022, which saw Republicans win five marginal seats to capture the majority. One of these seats is held by none other than George Santos (R-Queens), whose name on the ballot was liability enough until he declared his intention to not run for re-election. Republicans had a decent shot at holding this Nassau-Queens seat with a good Republican, but popular former Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) announced his bid to recapture the seat, which in a presidential year, is all but likely to flip blue.

Further complicating the political calculus is that a decent amount of the retirees hail from competitive districts and states, and with Congress divided on such tenuous lines held in tandem with a competitive presidential year where there’s no telling what could happen, the parties are left to organize solid ground game and field top-tier candidates to make the best of a massive question mark.

Notable members include Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who unexpectedly underperformed her party in 2018; Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), a member of a Michigan political dynasty whose once-solidlyblue working-class seat is now evenly divided; and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), a quasi-moderate who is betting her particular brand of politics on the Virginia governor’s mansion in 2025.

The high retirement rate appears, to some, to be indicative of fatigue from Congressional

Credit - United State Senate

National

10

Around Town Thursday, November 23, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Bohemia Scout Troop 438 Honors Veterans, Police, and First Responders

By Kaitlyn Foley This past Saturday, Scout In addition to Marino and Troop 438 hosted their annual Hamm, the event also presented Veterans, Police, and First Richard DeGroat and John Responders Appreciation Day Gargano with certificates of where they honored those who appreciation for their bravery put their lives on the line to help and dedication to our country. their community, state, and The event continued with country. food, drinks, and entertainment, Steve Kopejzna the complete with Irish Step Dancers Scoutmaster of Troop 438, and an Elvis Impersonator. along with Legislator Anthony Over ten different restaurants Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) presented donated food and drinks to the four different Veterans with event at The American Legion awards and certificates for their Hall in Bohemia. The Hall hosts dedication to our great country. a variety of events for its scouts, “It was breathtaking to be out Veterans, and community. They there in the midst of this great have recently reopened the country, thanking our Veterans back yard and patio after it was Honorees Marino, Hamm, DeGroat and Gargano posing with their certificates. for everything they’ve provided renovated through an Eagle us,” said Islip Councilman Jim Scout project. The American O’Connor (R-Great River).

Legion Hall is a beautiful and First to be recognized and useful space available to rent rewarded was Mike Marino. for town, neighborhood, or even Marino is a World War II Veteran friendly events. who has recently hit a milestone “This building is a special place, of 105 years old. and I am always glad to be here,” “Congratulations to you, I says Legislator Piccirillo. bring you greetings on behalf Troop 438 is proud of their of our Islip Town Supervisor, Veterans, police officers, and Angie Carpenter, and the rest of first responders, and they are my elected officials on the Islip proud to be scouts learning the Town Board,” said O’Connor. “I same characteristics our service want to present this certificate men and women embody every of recognition to you for your day. Through the scouting service to our country and for program, kids such as those your service to our community.” that make up Troop 438 learn “It’s not enough just to talk the value of loyalty, trust, and about Veterans issues, it’s about bravery. The program provides what we can do to make your them with self-confidence as Troop 438 with Scoutmaster Steven Kopejzna at the Amercian Legion Hall. lives better. That means the they grow with the program, services you are entitled to, your becoming strong, kind, and VA benefits, to get you on the phone with the right people, to get you in front of reverent adults. Events like these are just a small part of what scouting can the Veteran services officer to make sure you’re getting the right benefits,” says provide and teach our community’s children. The program is always looking for Legislator Piccirillo, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Suffolk County Veterans new members, of all ages, and The Messenger encourages those to look into Committee. “Thank you for your service to our country. Without people like their local council and sign up if interested. you, we would not be able to stand here today, or have elections, or serve in a free and fair government like we do here in the United States. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”

“Thank you, thank you very much. I am honored.” Mike Marino had a smile on his face the entire celebration, laughing over the sheer number of awards and certificates he was given in front of his friends and family.

Robert James Hamm, also known as RJ, was the second honoree of the day. Hamm served in Korea from 1953 to 1956, and as a police officer for twenty years following.

“We want to thank RJ for his service to our great nation and community, and to our Post. He is a regular here at our Post, and it is always a pleasure to talk with RJ,” said Kopejzna. He presented RJ with a plaque and citation for his service, and RJ’s wife with flowers.

“The reason I joined was because my mother was an immigrant, and I had to pay this country back. They let her in!” Hamm proudly and humbly accepted his awards and certificates from Scoutmaster Kopejzna, Councilman O’Connor, and Legislator Piccirillo.

“RJ, congratulations. Thank you for your service. The Town of Islip is pleased to honor you today with this certificate of recognition that says, ‘thank you for your valiant service to our great nation and our community,’” said Councilman O’Connor.

“On behalf of the 1.5 million residents of Suffolk County, we thank you for your service to our country and our community, thank you very much,” says Piccirillo.

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Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 23, 2023

Holiday

School Highlights

12

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Connecting with Kindness at Paul J. Bellew In celebration of World Kindness Day on November 13, kindergarten students at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School in the West Islip School District signed a kindness banner. The students started with a mindfulness lesson and read “The Kind Ninja.” In addition, classes throughout the school buddied up to tie fleece blankets to donate to Good Samaritan Hospital.

Cherokee Street Staffers ‘Pink It Forward’ Raising Money for Breast Cancer

The Cherokee Street Elementary School community is paying it forward through “Pink it Forward,” a breast cancer fundraising initiative. Their efforts raised $1,200 to create care packages for women undergoing treatment and surgery for breast cancer in the Connetquot community.

To kick off the fundraising efforts, Cherokee Street Elementary held a staff “pink walk.” Spearheaded by Cherokee Street’s speech and language pathologist Nicole Bren, a variety of merchandise, including bracelets, hats, and more was also sold to raise money.

Fourth grade teacher Jennifer Ripp arranged a day for hairstylists to come in and give faculty pink hair extensions. Christine Brennan hosted a candle event at her store, Fire and Wixx, which also brought in contributions.

It was important to me that the money raised was used to directly help other women diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Nicole Bren. “My hope with Pink it Forward is that the women receiving the care packages will feel comforted and maybe even a little joy when they receive them.”

School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

13

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Bayport-Blue Point HS Students Earn Prestigious Music Accolades Bayport-Blue Point High School is proud to announce George R. and Faith D. as the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

During his time at Bayport-Blue Point High School, George earned several academic accolades, including high honor roll throughout his high school career. George was an AP Scholar with Distinction in grades 10, 11, and 12 and was a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete all throughout high school. In 10th grade, he received the Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership Award and in 11th grade, he received the outstanding senior science student award from the Science Teachers Association of New York State. George is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Aside from his academic achievements, George has excelled in several extracurricular activities. He was team captain of the varsity volleyball team, a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete as part of the varsity baseball team and plays travel baseball.

As an active member of the Bayport-Blue Point community, George is a PTSA/PTA student volunteer for Bayport-Blue Point High School and Academy Street Elementary School, assisting with various PTA events and fundraisers. He was a “buddy” and volunteer for the League of Yes and the assistant event coordinator/volunteer for the National Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team in ninth and 10th grades.

George has also been a member of BayportBlue Point High School’s World Culture Club, Leo Club and Booster Club.

Salutatorian Faith D. has achieved a wide range of academic honors throughout her time at Bayport-Blue Point High School. She is an AP Scholar with Honors. She has received a number of awards, including the AP Computer Science Award, Algebra Two Enriched Award, Excellence in French II and III Awards, the John Locke Award for Excellence in AP World History, the Walt Whitman Award for achieving the top overall average in AP Seminar, the Award in Geometry Enriched, the Award in Introduction to Computer Science, the Democritus Award for Excellence in Accelerated Chemistry, the Herman Melville Award and the Socrates Award for Excellence in Global History I. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Faith is an avid golfer, having played all throughout high school and was a member of the soccer team her freshman year.

Faith is also president of BBP Enterprise, a club she helped to create. With the help of a teacher mentor, she has overseen various productions in the manufacturing lab, revamped their website and designed various graphics for products. She is also a member of BBP Connect, mentoring incoming freshman as they transition into high school. Faith is a member of the Peers Educating Peers club, Student Council and has taken part in the Science Olympiad in grades 10, 11 and 12.

The district congratulates George and Faith for achieving top academic honors and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

Today a Phantom, Tomorrow a Collegiate Athlete

Bayport-Blue Point High School participated in Commitment Day with 12 senior student-athletes signing to universities where they will continue their athletic careers.

The district congratulates the following students on their athletic achievement: Danny A., U.S. Naval Academy, lacrosse; Shannon A., Quinnipiac University, lacrosse;

Brady C., University at Albany, lacrosse; Julia F., Stony Brook University, lacrosse; Isabella J., Molloy University, soccer; Maclin K., St. John’s University, lacrosse; Kate L., Hofstra University, lacrosse; Mike L., Boston University, lacrosse; Ben M., U.S. Naval Academy, lacrosse; Hailey S., Saint Anselm College, softball; Shannon S., Le Moyne College, swimming; and Kayla V., Rider University, lacrosse.

History

14

Thursday, November 23, 2023

America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate North Dakota - The Peace Garden State

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

This is the fortieth of a series column that will look at the history of all 50 States, all 5 territories, and the Capital and the influence history has on our current political environments. The aim of this column is to capture that our country is not just red or blue, but rather many shades in between. Each Lower 48 state’s current political landscape can be traced back to its early settlement and geography and its particular involvement in the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil Rights Era.

By Matt Meduri Although one of the less politically relevant states today, North Dakota plays a valuable role in perfectly demonstrating the mass exodus of working-class whites from the Democratic Party.

Born as a left-wing Populist state, North Dakota now registers as one of the most conservative in the nation.

Early History - “The ‘Myth’ of North Dakota” The land that would become North Dakota was acquired in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and was sparsely populated and traveled. What little activity was there during the early-to-mid-1800s consisted of fur trappers from Hudson Bay and Montreal. In 1861, the Dakota Territory was formed, encompassing both present-day North Dakota and South Dakota. A year later, the Homestead Act took effect, accompanied by a strong marketing campaign to bring settlers to the region. In 1870, the state was barely populated by farmers, but by 1890, the state began to emerge as an agricultural trademark with about 200,000 residents. The “Myth of North Dakota” was a media broadcast that marketed the state as the very essence of the American Dream, settled by good and just people. Most settlers were of Scandinavian or German descent, as well as Northern Yankees, groups of people not dissuaded by the harshly cold environment.

While railroads populated the territory, the two lines connected North and South Dakota to different commercial hubs. North Dakota’s lines connected its eastern cities of Fargo and Bismarck to Minneapolis, while South Dakota’s lines connected it to Omaha and Chicago. Regional differences defined the two Dakotas, with North Dakota being the less populated, more rural, and more pugnacious of the two. North Dakota was home to markedly more skirmishes with the Native Americans, and a corrupt politician essentially “stole” the Dakota Territory capital of Yankton to present-day Bismarck. South Dakota also regarded North Dakota as a place of “wild folks, cattle ranchers, and fur traders.” Succinctly, South Dakota did not like North Dakota.

Since North Dakota was less populated and less connected, it found it cheaper to remain a territory than become a state, opposite South Dakota’s sentiment. The word from Washington, D.C., was to either enter the Union as one state or wait until North Dakota could qualify as its own and enter as two separate states. The final battle was over the name, as the name of “Dakota” became a brand associated with the region’s goods. North Dakota was almost named Lincoln, but the two shared the name and were admitted on November 2, 1889, starting the busiest period of state entries in the country’s history.

As a cheeky close on the disputes between the two Dakotas, President Benjamin Harrison (R-IN) shuffled the statehood papers and signed them blindly, forever obscuring which Dakota technically was admitted first.

Industrialization and 20th Century The Nonpartisan League With such heavy migration from the northeast, North Dakota started its history aligned with

Republican values - the Territory actually sent Union battalions during the Civil War. However, its first election in 1892 actually delivered its three electoral votes to Populist James Weaver by a narrow margin.

Since Weaver ran on a Populist-Democratic fusion ticket, one electoral vote went to Grover Cleveland (D-NY), and the third went to Benjamin Harrison on a technicality, resulting in the only time in history a state’s electoral votes were evenly distributed between three candidates.

The Populist movement did not last long in North Dakota, as the state’s heavy Catholic lean did receive William Jennings Byran’s (D-NE) Protestantism well.

Although the mostly wheat-farming state suffered with drought and high interest rates, political sectionalism prevailed in resisting what many believed would be a new form of class warfare instituted by Bryan’s doctrine of free silver. North Dakota quickly became a Republican stronghold, except for Woodrow Wilson’s (D-NJ) narrow 1912 win due to GOP vote-splitting. The 1912 election in North Dakota is also the last time in history four candidates each carried at least one county in a presidential election in one state.

Industrialization meant heavy investments in and by railroads, as well as family farms, general stores, and small cities dominated by small business and manufacturing. On paper, the state should have leaned into the Populist column, but North Dakota’s obscure political factions and profiles made it difficult for alternate parties to appeal to the voters. The creation of the Nonpartisan League (NPL) in 1915 advocated for progressive and socialist policies, chief among them being the government control of farming-adjacent industries, such as mills, banks, and railroads. In 1916, the NPL effectively hijacked the GOP Primaries by running their own slate of candidates, and by 1918, the NPL dominated the state’s politics. Business leaders and corporations turned to their own capitalist alternative, the Independent Voters Association (IVA).

In 1921, a true showdown between the two labels materialized in the form of Governor Lynn Frazier’s (R-NPL) recall, the first - and only, until 2003 - recall of a sitting governor in history. Frazier was defeated by IVA-endorsed Rangvald Nestos (R).

At this point, the IVA had eroded the NPL support to make the state more reliably Republican, but the intrinsic Populist lean would not escape North Dakota.

World War I, automation, and the Great Depression gutted North Dakota’s farming industry, allowing FDR (D-NY) to revitalize the progressive spirit of the state. Out of the thirty-three elections in which North Dakota has participated, only five have been won by Democrats: 1912, 1916, 1932, 1936,

and 1964, the latter three of which were national landslides.

As FDR capitalized on the state’s Populist tendencies, Republicans brought the Midwest back into the GOP fold in 1940. In 1956, the NPL merged with the Democratic ticket, a union that still exists today, and one that allowed Democrats to control all or most statewide offices and most of the legislature by the 1980s. Agrarian populism had allowed Democrats to remain dominant at the top of the North Dakota ticket for decades, while Republicans cleaned up the rest of the races.

North Dakota last voted Democratic in 1964 for Lyndon Johnson (D-TX). Since then, Republicans have won the state a fourteen consecutive times by large margins, while Democrats enjoyed shared control of the state on the local and federal side.

Current Political Leanings - A Paradigm Shift From 1986 until 2010, Democrats would control all three seats in North Dakota’s congressional delegation. From 1960 until 2018, they held one of the state’s U.S. Senate seats.

Although North Dakota has been staunchly Republican on the presidential level, John McCain’s (R-AZ) shocking singledigit margin in 2008 signaled that Obama’s populist overtones were well-received by the state’s ancestrally populist crowd.

However, as the state has moved away from family farming to agribusiness and oil and natural gas, the populist tendencies have somewhat faded. Mitt Romney’s (R-MA) clear, yet relatively poor, nineteen-point 2012 win essentially doubled McCain’s margin. In 2016, Donald Trump (R-NY) clobbered Hillary Clinton (D-NY) by a whopping thirty-six points, which he nearly repeated in 2020.

The state has become more intensely Republican when the ceiling was already presumed to have been hit, but with it, the state offices have completely fallen out of Democratic control, showing a deep resonance of the current populist wing of the current GOP. Not only is North Dakota a perfect example of the exodus of working-class whites from the Democratic Party, but it also questions Democrats’ theories of racial allegiance within the party. CNN’s Van Jones called Trump’s 2016 win a “whitelash against a black president and a changing country,” but North Dakota’s overwhelmingly white population was largely sympathetic to Obama’s message, so much that they almost broke a forty-year long streak to vote for him in 2008.

The bookend for Democrats’ fortunes in North Dakota came in 2018 when Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D) was defeated for reelection, solidifying a GOP takeover of all statewide offices.

Today, North Dakota prides itself on oil and natural gas production, clocking in at the number three and number ten spots nationally, respectively. Tourism exists in the form of Theodore Roosevelt’s namesake national park and the International Peace Garden on the North Dakota-Manitoba border.

The geography is simple: every county in North Dakota is intensely Republican, save for the red-leaning and occasionally swingy eastern counties of Cass (Fargo) and Grand Forks (Grand Forks), and the Democratic majority-Native American counties of Sioux and Rolette.

Democrats last held the state’s at-large Congressional district in 2010 and last held both Senate seats simultaneously in 2011. Democrats last won a gubernatorial race in 198, and they last controlled the State Senate in 1994 and the State House in 1984.

Once a truly split state, North Dakota is beyond out of reach for Democrats. Owing to its independent roots, thirdparty candidates still do well here, but it’s never enough to significantly cut into the GOP margins. Despite its modest profile on the national stage, North Dakota’s recent political upheaval perhaps best summarizes the fundamental shifts of the current party system.

Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

15

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Islip Food for Hope Sets Turkey Record

By Kaitlyn Foley Islip Food for Hope set their own record this Thanksgiving holiday after collecting and giving out 1,000 “Boxes of Love” to families within the community.

Islip Food for Hope is a non-profit agency missioned with easing the burden of families with food insecurity in the community. The organization has been advocating and finding solutions for those in need for more than forty years.

“We believe that access to food is a basic human right and we are vocal advocates for the hungry and the displaced,” says Islip Food for Hope. “Passionately devoted to empowering our community, we preserve dignity while nourishing lives. Our mission is to help our neighbors thrive one meal at a time while providing a welcoming environment filled with love and compassion.”

On Monday, November 21, volunteers of Islip Food for Hope along with Islip Town employees and representatives of Northwell’s South Shore University Hospital and Catholic Health’s Good Samaritan University Hospital distributed 1,000 boxes of love, more than 800 turkeys, and 800 pies to over 70 different local agencies including Islip school districts.

“It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to make sure our organization is reaching out to as many communities as it can so families everywhere have access to our free ‘Boxes of Love.’ We’re fortunate to have some of the best dedicating their time, energy, and expertise to our cause,” explains Islip Food for Hope.

These “Boxes of Love” contain all the traditional trimmings of a Thanksgiving dinner, including stuffing, yams, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pies.

“Each year the generosity in our great Town grows, with more and more families able to have a traditional Thanksgiving holiday meal,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip). “This extraordinary show of kindness is truly heartwarming.”

As we celebrate Islip Food for Hope for their hard work and record-setting results, it’s important to remember why there is so much need for such aid.

Edward Fraser is the President of Islip Food for Hope and is working diligently to help as many families as he can.

“Growth is normally good, and in this case, growth means more and more community members have needs. This has to be part of your core mission, community first!” says Fraser. “The future for Islip Food for Hope is to become an all-around resource for our communities and extend outside of Islip as the needs grow elsewhere.”

Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 23, 2023

NEW MEMBERS NEEDED

AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS STILL SERVING AMERICA

The William Merritt Hallock American Legion Post No. 155 115 Church Street Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Is looking for New Members

We meet at the Post twice a month 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm and the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.

We have a social hour with snack one hour prior to the meeting. Our meetings generally run about one hour.

We take part in our local community parades and street fairs.

We usually have three social functions with family and friends each year. We participate in a number of patriotic ceremonies. If interested in joining our Post and meeting some fellow veterans, stop by on a meeting day with a copy of your DD214.

You can visit our website at: AmericanLegionWilliamHallockPost155.org

Falling for Fall Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Small Business Saturday: How to Shop Local This Holiday Season

This weekly column looks to help readers enjoy the season of autumn by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, fall-favorite activities, recipes, and more.

17

By Kaitlyn Foley Make these coming holidays filled with personal and artisan gifts by shopping local all season long, starting this Saturday. November 25 is Small Business Saturday where stores around your neighborhood will hold sales and bargains on their amazing products.

Our community members work hard to compete with big business and corporations throughout the holidays, yet their products are often one-of-a-kind and straight from the heart.

“We try not to just create clothes for the masses, but we work hard to create pieces that people will talk about and remember even after they’ve stopped using them,” says Valid Vibes owners Kristina Spinosa and Rosie Dapolito.

The benefits to shopping small are quite clear for both the customer and the community. Buying from local businesses also means you are investing in your own neighborhood. Like with Valid Vibes, each purchase could also mean a large investment in a good cause. With every purchase, customers are creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and conserving vital resources and energy.

ERICA LOGAN, a clothing boutique in Hauppauge, is run by the hardworking mother-daughter duo, Sidney Logan Mankowski and Tracy Mankowski of Nesconset. Their storefront on Wheeler Road is just under one year old, and excited for their first holiday season.

“We are running a deal for 20% off the entire store, something we have never done before,” says Tracy Mankowski, co-owner, and manager of the store. Erica Logan is the perfect place to grab beautiful and classy outfits for your holiday celebrations.

VALID VIBES is an online clothing brand that eliminates the stigma against mental health. Rosie D’Apolito and Kristina Spinosa started Valid Vibes in 2022 to encourage people to “stay valid,” meaning to remain their true, authentic selves. With every purchase, Valid Vibes donates a percentage of the proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

“Valid Vibes is grateful for NAMI’s efforts to heal the families that struggle with mental illness,” says Spinosa and D’Apolito. So far, the brand has donated thousands of dollars to NAMI’s efforts in their first year of business. Valid Vibes will be holding sales on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. On all three days, use code BLACKFRIDAY for 20% off your purchase. Valid Vibes creates the perfect gifts for those who love handmade, trendy, and positive merchandise for a good cause.

This Week’s

Geller’s

Fall

Thanksgiving Leftover “Moist Maker”

Favorite Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Sandwich DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth.

Add the fresh minced herbs and fold in to incorporate. Set aside.

Next, toast your slices of bread. It should be no surprise that this sandwich has a lot of moisture. Toasting the bread helps it hold up and not fall apart as you eat it.

Warm the gravy in the microwave (or on the stovetop) until steaming. Then transfer the gravy to a shallow bowl or plate with a rim.

Dredge one piece of bread in the gravy on both sides and then let it continue to soak in the gravy until ready to add to the sandwich.

While the moist maker layer soaks, reheat the turkey, sweet potatoes and stuffing until steaming.

Begin by laying down one piece of toasted Buttermilk-Herb Mayonnaise bread on a cutting board. Next, spread a layer (optional, but recommended) of cranberry sauce over the bread. Top with a • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise generous amount of stuffing and then layer • 1 tablespoon buttermilk slices of warm turkey over the stuffing.

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, Top the turkey with the gravy-soaked bread minced (aka the moist maker). Next, add a layer of • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, warm sweet potatoes followed by more turkey. minced Then, top the turkey with some fresh greens or • 1/4 teaspoon fresh rosemary, lettuce and top everything off with the final slice minced of toast slathered with a generous amount of • 1/4 teaspoon fresh chives, the buttermilk-herb mayonnaise. minced Finally, enjoy the best sandwich you (and • 3 slices quality artisan bread (We used hearty, multi-grain sourdough bread, but any crusty bread with some body will do.)

• 1/2 cup turkey gravy • 4-6 ounces leftover turkey meat, shredded • 1/4 cup leftover sweet potatoes or regular potatoes • 1/4 cup leftover stuffing • 1/4 cup leftover cranberry sauce, canned or homemade • 1/4 cup mixed greens, baby spinach or green leaf lettuce

Ross Geller) will ever have.

Recipe provided by Taste of Home

BLAST FROM THE PAST, of Bayshore, is the perfect small business to buy games and toys from this holiday season. The store sells vintage collectables, toys, video games, and board games for children of all ages, and even some items that will make adults feel nostalgic! Action figures, Pokémon cards, Bratz Dolls, and even game consoles like the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch can be bought at Blast from the Past.

RALPH ROTTEN’S GREAT AMERICAN CANDY SHOPPE in Centereach looks straight out of a Willy Wonka movie! Their candy bags make some kid-approved stocking stuffers, their nostalgic candies are great “white elephant” gifts, and their mixed nut and chocolate “Holiday Trays” make the perfect gift for a host of holiday parties. Customers can order online, over the phone, or in store, but be sure to order early!

“My sister makes these amazing turkey sandwiches. Her secret is, she puts an extra slice of gravy-soaked bread in the middle; I call it the Moist Maker.”

Ross Geller is always one to be dramatic, however he is not overexaggerating about Friends’ Monica Geller’s Thanksgiving Leftover Moist Maker Sandwich. It truly is the best way to use up all those random leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner and make the best lunch for the office the next day. Just make sure there are no fridge thieves in your workplace.

Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 23, 2023

TOWNLINE RAIL: ABOUT ASH Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the Huntington-Smithtown waste-to-energy facility as well as Construction & Demolition debris off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed.

Ash is created from incinerating the household trash which we all create in the Towns of Smithtown and Huntington Incinerator ash is not classified as a USDOT toxic material Waste-to-energy facilities are highly regulated and materials are regularly tested Ash in an enclosed facility or sitting short-term in covered rail cars does not present a threat to the aquifer Proposed Townline Rail Terminal

140 Old Northport Road Kings Park, New York 11754 631 368 4000 | CarlsonCorp.com

Townline Rail will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit the environment. To learn more visit www.townlinerail.com

Expires 9/1/2024

Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.

AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C) (4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism.

To Learn more, visit www.amac.us

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Labor Department Employees Not Returning To In-Person Work Raises Red Flags

By Outside Contributor | AMAC Long after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared over and the government said federal employees would return to in-person work, government building occupancy data shows that the Department of Labor headquarters had so few employees return that each employee had an average allocation of 1,600 square feet of office space. That’s considerably larger than the average Washington, D.C., residence.

The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project obtained 11 pages of documents in response to a Freedom of Information Act request for occupancy data for U.S. Department of Labor office buildings. The documents reveal low occupancy rates and low daily average usage of the department’s headquarters building, the Frances Perkins Building. (The Daily Signal is Heritage’s news and commentary outlet.)

In his 2022 State of the Union address, President Joe Biden stated, “It’s time for America to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again with people.”

The federal Office of Management and Budget further directed agencies in April 2023 to update their current telework policies and establish updated plans to increase the return of federal employees to the workplace post-pandemic, following the administration’s declaration that the pandemic was over in April.

Monthly averages for employees’ use of the Frances Perkins Building reveal an allocation of roughly 1,600 square feet per person, based on the daily average of employees in attendance.

The General Services Administration, as of 2011, had established a federal benchmark of 190 usable square feet per person.

Even with all of this unused real estate, the department has sought an extra $109 million in appropriations from Congress for the fiscal year 2023.

This underlying lack of utilization of Labor’s headquarters building raises questions about the department’s commitment to sound financial management—having averaged just 1,015 employees per day in person in the month of September. For the prior five months, from April through August, the average was 949 per day. Previous records of historical utilization rates from 1996-2000 show about 3,000-4,000 employees and contractors a day.

This correlates to recent reporting from the Government Accountability Office from July highlighting the low utilization of many federal headquarters buildings throughout 2023. One telling fact from the report: “Seventeen of the 24 federal agencies in GAO’s review used an estimated average 25% or less of their headquarters buildings’ capacity in a threeweek sample period across January, February, and March of 2023.”

The report also stated, “Underutilized office space has financial and environmental costs.

Federal agencies spend about $2 billion a year to operate and maintain federal office buildings regardless of the buildings’ utilization.”

Further, a General Services Administration report from July 2022 highlighted average daily occupancy rates of just 29% for GSAadministered buildings. GSA further stated in the same report, that only “40% [of federal agencies] are using their occupancy and financial data to inform [financial and other operational] decisions.”

Previous FOIA requests by Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project have highlighted that many agencies are not in compliance with directives to get employees physically back to work, have not updated their telework policies since the pandemic as directed, or simply have failed to track building occupancy rates.

The Department of Labor further confirmed that 100% of employees in the department’s Office of the Inspector General

are covered by telework agreements as of this past April. This is of particular concern, as inspectors general are tasked with oversight of their respective departments and agencies, which requires in-person investigations, coordination, and physical presence at agency locations.

The Department of Labor’s congressional budget documents state that the department “promotes the welfare of workers, job seekers, and retirees by helping them improve their skills, find work, and get back on their feet after job loss, injury, or illness.”

This mission statement is far removed from economic reality,

as even the department itself has not managed to get its own employees physically back to the office post-pandemic.

Colin Aamot is an investigative columnist at The Daily Signal and an investigator within The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project. He was a psychological operations planner with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Command.

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Signal by Colin Aamot.

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Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 23, 2023

NYU Langone Orthopedics is expanding in Suffolk County.

With a growing team of experts, we treat the full range of musculoskeletal conditions, from joint pain, tendinitis, and arthritis, to sprains, strains, and fractures.

Our dedication to excellence has helped make NYU Langone Health a top performer in delivering high-quality outpatient care, as measured by the 2023 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking.

Right here in Suffolk County, you'll find the general and specialized orthopedic services you need, including: • Adult Reconstruction • Concussion Management • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand & Wrist Surgery • Joint replacements of the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow

• Pain Management (cortisone injections, trigger point injections) • Physical and Occupational Therapy • Sports Medicine • Trauma Care

Schedule an appointment at nyulangone.org/doctors New locations:

Additional locations:

NYU Langone Advanced Orthopedic Associates—Long Island (Ages 2+) 285 Sills Road, Building 18 East Patchogue 631-475-1224

NYU Langone Medical Associates—Patchogue (Ages 7+) 100 Hospital Road, Suite 115 631-228-5801

715 Roanoke Avenue. Building A, Suite 4 Riverhead 631-475-1224 2500 Nesconset Highway, Building 20-A Stony Brook 631-475-1224 NYU Langone Orthopedic Associates—Hauppauge 517 Route 111, 3rd Floor, Suite 3B 631-486-8855

NYU Langone Huntington Medical Group (Pediatrics & Adults) 180 East Pulaski Road 631-425-2140 NYU Langone Medical Associates—Riverhead (Ages 13+) 889 East Main Street, Suite 308 631-386-3500 NYU Langone Long Island Family Medicine Associates—North Babylon (Ages 2+) 986 Sunrise Highway 631-587-6060

Source: Vizient Ambulatory Care Quality and Accountability Award: Ranked #1 out of 62 participating networks.

News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

21

Thursday, November 23, 2023

The Saddest Shabbat Table in the World

By Matt Meduri

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one that continues to shake the world. During the October 7 invasion by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, Israel has said that about 240 hostages were taken by the terrorist group.

Shabbat festivities this week are especially somber, as six weeks have passed since the hostages were initially taken. The large amount of people who have been taken hostage have been represented around the world by empty Shabbat tables. Instead of guests in the chairs, pictures of the hostages are fixed in their places. The display has been dubbed “the Saddest Shabbat Table in the World.”

Smithtown set up their own empty Shabbat table on the lawn in front of the H. Lee Dennison building in Hauppauge near Veterans Memorial Highway on Friday and Saturday evenings last week. Hundreds gathered in the cold to witness the display, hear the names read of some of the hostages, hear speeches from local Jewish religious leaders, and pray and have service for the victims.

However, despite the somber nature of the event and the last six weeks, the vigil also served as something as a rally, as the speakers ensured that the tables displayed in Smithtown and around the world, as well as the accompanying calls and prayers for hope and peace, are displays of solidarity and strength in the face of persecution and evil.

The services were organized by Rona Kugler-Bode and Sharon Penn. Kugler-Bode discussed with The Messenger how the event came together.

“The co-organizers did not know each other until about two weeks ago and did not meet in person until a couple of days before the display,” says Kugler-Bode. “My husband saw a flyer at the Suffolk Young Jewish Community Center (Suffolk-Y JCC) that Sharon was providing lawn signs for donations to go to Moshav Netiv HaAsara in Israel, which was attacked on October 7. I contacted her to purchase some lawn signs and we started testing about how helpless we have felt since the attacks. We came up with the idea of bringing the Empty Shabbat Table display to Suffolk County, but it needed to be in a high visibility area. I started making telephone calls, starting with Officer Tom Joy of the Asian Jade Society, the event came together. All the organizations involved were all so helpful and generous. We are also extremely grateful for the support and assistance of the Suffolk County Police Department whose presence helped to make this run seamlessly.”

“I am sure there is not one person here who has not gone through a myriad of emotions these last six weeks,” said KuglerBode at Saturday night’s vigil. “We need to do everything we can to bring the hostages home now.”

Two speakers at the event highlighted the intimate connection Long Island has to the attacks, as one of the hostages calls Plainview home. Omer Neutra, 21, decided to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after spending a gap year in Israel in 2020, suspending his plans

to study at Binghamton University upstate.

Omer’s parents, Ronen and Orna, described the circumstances of his captivity and their plight to reconnect with their son. Omer was fighting Hamas forces in a tank with other IDF servicemembers when their vehicle was compromised and they were taken into Gaza.

“It’s been six weeks since our lives turned upside-down,” said Omer’s father, Ronen.

“Omer is a great friend and guy who brings everyone together.”

“In some ways, Omer grew up like any other kid on Long Island,” said Omer’s mother, Orna. “He’s crazy about sports, he loves basketball, he was the captain of his high school teams, and very involved in his youth group. But he’s also a dual-citizen of both Israel and the United States, and we raised him with deep connections with both places. During his gap year in Israel, he felt very connected to the communities and diverse groups there. When it came the time for him to come back to the United States, he decided that what he really needed to do is join the IDF.” Both of Omer’s parents are descendants of Holocaust survivors, which they say contributed to Omer’s dedication to keeping Israel strong for Israelis and all Jewish people by serving and protecting the country.

Omer’s parents recently spoke in front of nearly 300,000 people in Washington, but they say the numbers don’t compare to the sense of community and support they have at home on Long Island. They have met with members of the state legislature and Congress regarding the negotiations to rescue the hostages.

“The clock continues to tick, but not in our favor,” said Ronen. “We appreciate your support and we ask you to call your representatives and keep the hostages in the public eye until we get them home.”

Ronen and Orna left for Israel following the service to meet with government officials, hostages’ families, and the family they have in Israel.

“Our hope is to bring some good news on our way back.”

Rabbi Howard Buechler of the Dix Hills Jewish Center performed the Havdalah service and Rabbi Yakov Saacks of the Chai Center of Dix Hills led the prayers for Israel.

During the Friday night service, Rabbi Alan C. Stein of Temple Beth Chai in Hauppauge led Kabbalat Shabbat with Cantor Stephen Stein.

Commack High School students Rebecca Cole, 11th grade and board member of the Hebrew Culture Club, and Eli Penn, 11th grade, shared the readings of the names of some of the hostages. The Friday night readings were delivered by Commack High School students Eli Penn, Michael Wagner, 9th grade, and Abby Wynn, 11th grade.

The Friday night service also saw Alan Richter of the Suffolk Jewish Advisory Board address the audience and give a speech about unity.

The Messenger sends our prayers and condolences to the families of the hostages and we hope the conflict is swiftly resolved and the hostages return home safely.

Opinion

22

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Shop Local: Small Business Saturday

By Diane Caudullo Amazon, once its own phenomenon and currently a true convenience to most people, is, as they say, both a blessing and a curse. You can quite literally order something and have it delivered the same day due to all the new local warehouses stocked with inventory. In our days of instant gratification, if delivery takes more than a day or so, it can be disappointing and it would be even crazier to think you may have to leave the comfort of your couch to buy something nowadays. The selection can be pretty impressive and the item just shows up at your door with the click of a button; that can be a blessing.

But for something seemingly so good, there is usually a down side. We have all probably been there, snuggled on the couch in pajamas, with the throw blanket over us, scrolling…and scrolling… and scrolling. We compare different items, we pick the perfect one, or more often settle for the available one, and click. The credit card is charged, already stored in the phone - so we didn’t even have to get up for our wallet - and the order is on the way. It becomes somewhat mindless shopping which can easily lead to spending way more money than planned, or simply buying more than intended. Many people find themselves with so many boxes on their doorstep smiling away at you and you can’t even remember what you purchased.

Kristina Wilson - Managing Partner Texas Roadhouse.

It’s designed to excite, entice, and rush you to click. If you had to make time and drive to a store you may think twice about how much you really want or need it.

On the other side of the coin are the local stores, often owned by a person or family nearby. These are people you may actually know and can speak with, people to call or see face to face if there is a problem, or you want to invite them to sponsor or participate in an event. These are also people who you see patronize stores and restaurants in the area. It’s literally the gift that keeps on giving.

Sometimes we don’t realize what makes a store truly local.

For example, often seen as more corporate entities but aren’t are White Castle and Texas Roadhouse. The Texas Roadhouse in Selden is owned by a young woman, Kristina Wilson. Kristina lives in the immediate area of her restaurant and her kids go to the local school district. She is actively involved in her community and although Texas Roadhouse is a franchise, it is designed in a way that Kristina has autonomy over her business. She makes the bulk of her own decisions in interacting with the community, she hosts the meetings and the fundraisers, and says yes to the sponsorships.

Similarly White Castle, a chain of stores owned by a family, allows and encourages their managers and staff to get involved in Doreen Newman of The Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce shops during the Grand Opening of Ollie’s in Selden with Legislator Nick Caracappa. their surrounding area. The ability to interact with the community is what makes them a small, local businesses. Hilda Gonzalez, manager of the Centereach Castle, sits on the local civic association More significantly though is the damage it does to the community around you. board and gets involved in the school and town activities.

With less and less people actually going into the physical stores, brick and mortar stores are closing, leaving vacancies that are hard to fill and slowly chipping away Then there are the locally owned hardware, stationery, and candy stores. at the character of a neighborhood.

There are the small clothing boutiques, the Etsy store owners, the artisans at the local craft fairs, and many more. If and when possible - start there.

Less stores in the area take the jobs with them. Stores that sell merchandise are often the perfect entry-level jobs for our young people starting out and their Some of the best gifts today are not exactly items, but gift certificates to the first step into building a work ethic, understanding taxes taken from their paycheck, local pizza places, delis, and coffee shops. A thoughtful gift that will be appreciated, and budgeting their weekly pay. These jobs are often beneficial to the mom or dad dare I say, even a little more than the Christmas mug. or retiree who wants to work part-time to bolster their household income.

So remember, for every dollar spent locally, that dollar goes on to be used in The next benefit lost is that Amazon and even the Walmarts, Targets, and Kohls other neighboring businesses, over and over, as well as payroll for local people are not actively involved in your local community groups. They are not the ones and even contributes into the tax base of your community. So as we enter into continually sponsoring the school play or the local sports teams. They want to this Holiday season - and honestly, the entire year - shop your local businesses for sell you something in the instant that you think you want it, and move on; there’s whatever your needs are first. no real relationship there. They also don’t want you to have the chance to think about it. It can absolutely be, and is encouraged to be, an impulse buy. The timer Encourage others to do the same. The well-being of your neighborhood on the cart says if you order in the next few hours, you can have it by tomorrow. depends on it.

Sports Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Commack Girls Volleyball Successful Season Comes to an End

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By James Haupt

After what has been a long and successful season for Commack Girls Varsity Volleyball, the Cougars fell just short of the Long Island Championship. They played some of their best Volleyball this season and have plenty to be proud of as their season wraps up.

This outstanding season actually had a rough start. In Commack’s first game they lost to Connetquot in four sets, 3-1. This was a disappointing loss, especially to begin the season, but it didn’t hold them back.

From that point on, Commack hit the ground running, going on a 17-0 run. This was an exhilarating string of games that included some key wins against some of the best teams. They won every other league game including the rematch against Connetquot. Commack then went on to win important non-league and playoff games that brought them back to the Long Island Championship.

Unfortunately, this was the end of the road as they fell short to Massapequa in three sets. This wasn’t their best game, but it doesn’t discount the terrific season they had.

It was only the second loss all year.

They were the team to beat in Long Island.

“This was a really good team who did a great job. We came along from an ugly start and worked well together to come back. We were excellent together and had great team chemistry” said Head Coach Tracie Morenberg, who is proud of her team’s success. “We learned from mistakes in the previous games and tested ourselves mentally. We showed resilience in games where we were down two sets and ended up winning in five. In the Long Island Championship we had too much of a slow start and dug ourselves a hole we couldn’t get out of.”

Although it may not have been the ultimate result that Coach Morenberg and the Cougars were looking for, it was still an impressive season for Commack as they finished with a 17-2 overall record. This includes the playoff victories which allowed them to win League II and the County Championship.

It was also the first time in school history that Commack repeated as County champs after they accomplished the feat in the 2022 season as well, proving the Cougars are always a top team on Long Island.

Commack’s roster consisted of some of the best players on Long Island which made them such a

balanced team. Arguably their best player was Maya Khan who had a terrific season. Coach Morenberg noted that she won the Female Athlete of the Season for Commack High School, making her the best individual female athlete in all sports at Commack High School.

With the season coming to an end, it’s hard to be completely satisfied, but the Cougars played a great season and have proven they still have a bright future. The upcoming season is usually unpredictable, but Coach Morenberg has a good idea of what’s to come.

“I am always optimistic because we have such a great Middle School program and a lot of girls love the sport so much that they play with club teams as well,” said Coach Morenberg. “I’m losing four seniors, but I have four returning starters.

Even though I’m losing a few, the core coming back are awesome players. The young role players will also have a chance to step up into new roles next year. We will look to be a competitive and contending team again next year.”

The Cougars will return for the 2024 season and strive to make it even further this time. Not only will they look to win another county championship, but they hope to win the Long Island Championship next year and have the chance to play against some of the best teams in the entire state of New York.

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Messenger Spotlight

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Long Island Fight for Charity

By Kaitlyn Foley

It was a night of great fights, loud crowds, and lots of fundraising. Long Island Fight for Charity went off without a hitch Monday night, November 20. Ticket holders and pay-perview buyers watched ten tough fights between the volunteer boxers, who have spent the last eight months fundraising for various charities around Long Island.

Throughout the night, there were a total of twenty boxers fighting in ten bouts. The first two bouts consisted of professional boxers who were in the ring for three two-minute rounds. The rest of the bouts consisted of three one-minute rounds. Every boxer was able to have a minute of rest after each round.

As they train for their fight, boxers who sign up are expected to raise $10,000 before heading into the ring on the night of the main event. All of the boxers were able to earn that goal, and some surpassed it with flying colors.

There was a mix of emotions for first-time boxer Gina Farese before her fight in bout five.

“I was excited, and then I was nervous, and now I’m excited and nervous.” Farese has been training since May; however, no amount of punches on a bag or in sparring can prepare anyone for the real thing. Farese was this year’s top fundraiser, raising over $100,000 for LI Fight for Charity, The Genesis School, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Long Island Home Builders Care.

“I surrounded myself with really great people, I have some really great charities that I am giving to between Breast Cancer and Long Island Home Builders Care,” said Farese.

Farese provided one of the largest and loudest crowds of the night. Groups of people held up signs of her face, all in support of her endeavors both in fundraising and the fight. “To me, that was the most important part.”

The Messenger spoke with Farese before her fight to see how she was preparing to get in the ring.

“I think there is a lot of just trying to maintain your breathing and focus. When you have so many people around, you’re trying to hear just one voice, and that’s your coach.” While training Farese tried to focus on drowning out the distractions around her. Through the noise she knew she was going to have to hear only one voice to help her through the fight.

“It was the biggest thing for me to overcome, from the first time I hit a speed bag to today, that was my biggest challenge.”

After the fight Farese told The Messenger it was easy to drown out the crowd. She was so focused after stepping into the ring that hearing her coach’s voice was soon the only thing she could hear.

Farese fought Alyssa Smith of Middle Island in the fifth bout of the evening.

Gina Farese (blue) throws a punch at Alyssa Smith (red) (Credit - David Conn)

Robert McBride (red) and Tom Gibson (blue) (Credit - David Conn)

Robert McBride, of West Islip, is not only the second top fundraiser of the event, but he is also the oldest boxer that fought in the ring this year. At the age of 63, McBride raised over $60,000 for Education and Assistance Corporation, Operation Healing Forces, and Winters Center for Autism, along with LI Fight for Charity and The Genesis School.

“I can take a couple of lumps for them, that’s for sure.

They are very worthwhile charities that all deserve the money,” says McBride.

McBride is also a first-time boxer, though he has been a fan of the sport all his life. “This brings back memories of my dad, God rest his soul, he would have been here. I remember watching the Fraizer-Ali fights together, so this is in my father’s honor, in a way.”

McBride grew up in Brooklyn to Irish-Immigrant parents, two people to whom he attributes his hardworking nature. He honored them and his Irish culture Monday night, by wearing an Irish flag on his robe. Those who came out to support him wore “fight crew” tee-shirts colored with green, white, and orange and waved Irish flags.

McBride fought Tom Gibson of Glen Cove in bout three of the evening.

Long Island Fight for Charity is more than just a fundraising event. The process of volunteering as a boxer, working to meet the fundraising goal, and meeting fellow community members and businesspeople who care about

our Island is what makes this event so special. They call it the “most unique charitable fundraiser” not just because it is a boxing match, but because it connects our residents through a common goal: boosting up our community.

“If anything, the best thing is the people that I met through this, the things my kids got to learn from this, the way it brought my business together. My whole team is here to support this event. To me, that is everything. At the end of the day, for me to be able to show my kids that when I go to work, it’s more than just work, it’s more than just a paycheck. It’s building a reputation and a community,” says Farese, who involved her children and employees in many of her fundraising events for the fight.

In a recent interview, Farese told The Messenger that many of her events allowed women in construction to feel comfortable networking with fellow industry professionals.

It provided them the opportunity to meet new people and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

The excitement, positivity and sportsmanship throughout every fight was contagious. The crowd was exhilarated with every hit, galvanizing the fighters through each round. Each and every boxer should be proud of the work they’ve put into this event. There wasn’t a single loser that stepped out of that ring Monday night.

“Overall, it’s been an amazing experience. I was told before I got involved that this would be life-changing and I can absolutely say, it was life-changing,” says Farese.